Kʰunamokwst Park — Attraction in Portland

Kʰunamokwst Park, nestled in Northeast Portland's Cully neighborhood, stands as a truly groundbreaking and unique green space in the city's park system. Its distinctiveness isn't just in its amenities, but profoundly in its very name, its design philosophy, and its deep connection to cultural healing and community building.

The most striking and unique aspect is undeniably its name: Kʰunamokwst (pronounced KOO-nah-mok-st), which is from Chinook Wawa (Chinook Jargon) and means "together." This was the first park in Portland to be named in a Native American language, a powerful and intentional act of reconciliation and recognition of the Indigenous peoples who are the original stewards of this land. This naming convention immediately imbues the park with a deeper cultural significance, inviting visitors to pause and reflect on Portland's layered history.

Beyond its meaningful name, Kʰunamokwst Park's uniqueness is evident in its innovative and inclusive design, a direct result of extensive community engagement, particularly with the vibrant and diverse Cully neighborhood. It's a park built for everyone and togetherness:

Portland's First Covered Splash Pad: This is a hallmark feature, offering year-round water play regardless of Portland's often-unpredictable weather. It's a testament to thoughtful, climate-resilient design. Nature Play Areas: Integrating natural elements like logs, rocks, and uneven terrain for imaginative play, it encourages children to connect with nature in a less structured way, diverging from traditional playgrounds. Multi-Generational Appeal: The park masterfully balances diverse interests, from active youth spaces like the popular skate area and basketball court, to quieter zones like the community garden where neighbors can grow food and foster connections. The overall design fosters interaction among different age groups. Cultural Art Integration: Subtle design elements and public art installations within the park often draw inspiration from Indigenous cultures and the local ecosystem, reinforcing the park's namesake and adding layers of meaning beyond mere aesthetics.

Kʰunamokwst Park isn't just a collection of amenities; it's a living symbol of community collaboration, cultural respect, and forward-thinking urban planning. It's a place where the simple act of gathering "together" takes on profound meaning, making it an exceptionally unique and impactful addition to Portland's...

What a great little park! It is partially shade with a few large fir trees. There is a simple play structure that is more natural and has a forest/nature feel. A small covered picnic area suitable for small gatherings like kids birthday parties. The paths are paved and smooth, the ground mostly level for easy walking. There isn't really a parking lot, however it is next to a small church which had a small parking lot. I also noticed a designated handicap space on the corner near the park sign. (Street parking) I find the street parking does fill up! It was a little crowded, but I think it was because there happened to be a kids birthday party happening that day. Nice clean "Portland Loo" and porta potty. My 3yr old spent the most time in the water feature, it was perfect for a hot sunny day and really suitable for all ages. There was also a skate park and a small grassy field.

As for safety, it appeared to be very safe. I didn't see any strange or homeless people. I didn't see any needles or even litter. It was a...

This is a rare and charming little park in the middle of Cully.

So few times does something as lovely as a new city park go into a demolished site instead of condos, mixed use developments or McMansions. This lucky Cully neighborhood tenants is one of those times! I feel like Lesley Knope winning one for the small guy!

Unlike a lot of the old Portland parks this is not a shaded grove of trees. So whether that's your jam or not this park offers a lot of open green space, some shade here and there and lots of kid and skater friendly area. The entire Park is only a say a quarter of a block. A substantial chunk is taken up by the kids play area with interactive water feature to the South and skate pool to the East. I'm not the biggest fan of kids so I was wary as to spending a lot of time here but if you come in the mornings or evenings it seems to stay relatively peaceful. And it's hard to pass up any green space this lovely just blocks from your house.

I feel truly blessed to have this amenity...